A family near me has lost there Chow Chow today with heat stroke.
Elton was only 4 years old and a beautiful dog.
As you can imagine they are devastated.
At a certain time he was always looking out of window to see my dogs pass.
They said he always knows what time it was.
Now I don't know what to do.I know it will upset them to see mine.
What should we do ?.
Carry on walking past every night or change route for a while.
Its very hard.I don't know what to do for the best.

Dog

Hi Dog

They may welcome the opportunity of seeing you.  If you don't go that way they may think you are avoiding them.  I would continue with my usual routine.  If they are used to seeing you they will wonder why you're not going that way.  I know it must be really hard for you but often that is the mistake that people make when humans pass away and the bereaved don't know what they've done wrong.  It is a very sad situation.

Kind wishes
Annie

4 dogs died at a show at the weekend with heat stroke :(

I cant wait for autumn

HI Blondiflops

Surely a dog must go through various stages of dehydration etc., before it actually dies of heatstroke!  What I can't understand is how an owner cannot recognise these stages and act accordingly.  Surely it makes sense to keep your dog in the shade - or not take it at all - at shows rather than crowding round the rings to see what is going on.  I appreciate that exhibitors like to know what is happening but please why do they keep their dogs at their sides - they are absolutely not interested!  I have to say - and when I say this I am in no way referring to the people that show their dogs and are members of CD - sometimes I wonder just what showing is all about.  Ihave met countless numbers of people who show their dogs when it is clear that the dog does not enjoy the experience!!  These people are therefore doing it for selfish reasons and I abhor that.  Surely a true show dog is one that takes the whole experience in his/her stride and enjoys being the centre of attention.  Just because a dog has excellent conformation, it doesn't mean it is a natural show dog. Some of these dogs are just commodities and have no life whatsoever other than being trundled round the show ring in the show season.  In my opinion, that is scandalous and if an exhibitor lets a dog die of heatstroke then they should be banned from showing for life.  Then you would see proper care and attention being given to these unfortunate dogs.  For some people a life without showing would be no life at all!  If that means they look after their animals properly then so be it.

A bit harsh I know but my first concern is about the dogs.

Annie

Thanks for your reply Annie.You are right we will carry on going the same route.

I did hear about the chow who died at the show at weekend .I was told that it didn't die from heat stroke.
My black Chow had an elongated palate he was also heavy headed.Lots of breeders liked the heavy head .I have seen some Chows at shows who are out of breath just going round the ring.Thankfully they do tend to be breeding more open faced Chows that have legs.Just my oppinion.
I did have my black boys palate done twice and his breathing was so much better.
When we showed we never went when it was very warm weather.I always had ice and fans.Got a car with air conditioning in.
My dogs came first.Still do.
Before anyone jumps at me yes I did show after he had his palate done.He enjoyed the shows and was so relaxed he used to lie down and go to sleep in the ring.I never expected him to win top honours.
We took him along because if we didn't I would not have shown my red boy.
Mine are pets so wherever one goes the other goes too.
Dog

Hiya Dog

I know what you mean.  There are very sensible and responsible people who show and I really do think they are the majority but, there are some people who just don't get it!!!!  I'm glad they are starting to breed more open-faced dogs now.

Kind regards
Annie

I thought I had heard it all when the other weekend (temperature 34 deg).  When an owner would not let her schnautzer (sp?) have a drink for fear of getting his beard wet Grr

I took my rottie in the ring with a soaking wet coat to keep her cool,if the judge
had said anything Im afraid I would of said "she is more important than a rossette" as it was she got a 4th there is NO excuse for this type of thing happening.

Hi,
The Chow Chow's coat is similar to the Sams. I do admit I bath them a lot
in the heat, comb them wet get's  ride of a lot of there loose hair.
Then let them dry in the sun. It is really the only thing that cools them
down. Can be a little back aching but it's worth it.
Or hose them down, keep there feet cool.
You can see the diffrence, they really liven up!!!
I have to admit I really feel for some of the dog's left in the sun, if there was a
stream or river or sea they would soon be in it if they could.
Regards
Denese